"It’s payback time!”

Three new players have been added to the Croatian squad by coach Vladimir Canjuga for the EHF EURO 2012 qualification matches against Denmark.

The new players are in addition to the squad which took part at the 2011 World Championships in Brazil in December 2011.

Canjuga has invited 19 players to prepare for the two matches, with 16 participating in the matches.

“Lately I was talking a lot with Maida Arslanagić (who plays for KIF Vejen),” said Canjuga at the Croatian Handball Federation media conference on Monday (19 March).

“She hasn’t been in my squad since I took over coaching the national team because of some misunderstandings that we had, but this is now behind us and I'm happy to have her back in the team again.

“Maida plays in an important position, has excellent shooting skills and we'll, for sure, be a stronger team than we were in Brazil,” he said.

Sonja Bašić and Žana Čović, who both play their club handball for EHF Women’s Challenge Cup semi-finalists Lokomotiva Zagreb) are also new additions to the squad, but have previous international experience. Bašić will help in the Croatian defence whilst Čović can gain some valuable experience.

“We have some ‘unresolved issues’ from our last two big competitions”, said Croatian team captain Miranda Tatari. “Denmark beat us both at EHF EURO 2010 in Denmark and in the last World Championships in Brazil and I think it’s payback time!” she explained.

“My team found out the reasons for losing in Brazil and we can beat them this time in front of our fans,” said the middle-back who plays her club handball for HC Podravka Vegeta in Croatia.

“We have to be patient and to reduce our offensive mistakes and with that we will reduce their strongest weapon; their fastbreaks and transition play. If we manage to do that, we can win these matches.”

Croatia will play versus Denmark in new Zamet Hall in Rijeka on Wednesday (21 March) at 18:00 hours (local time) before facing Denmark on Saturday (24 March) at 5pm at the Skyline-Elro Arena in Randers.